Quick News: Spirit, Paper, Happiest, Mary

2019 Independent Spirit Awards
Actress Aubrey Plaza is set to replace celebrated duo John Mulaney and Nick Kroll as host of the 34th Independent Spirit Awards which take place in Santa Monica. IFC will once again broadcast the ceremony live. Previous hosts have included Andy Samberg, John Waters, Sarah Silverman, Joel McHale, Kate McKinnon and Kumail Nanjiani, and Fred Armisen and Kristen Bell. The 2019 Independent Spirit Awards air Saturday, February 23rd. [Source: The Playlist]

Paper Lanterns
Fox Family and Chernin Entertainment are teaming on the Jonny Sun-penned live-action/animated family feature “Paper Lanterns”. The project is described as a big, fun, all-audience movie that pays homage to Chinese folklore in a way that feels contemporary and fresh. [Source: Deadline]

Happiest Season
Kristen Stewart (“Twilight,” “Clouds of Sils Maria”) has begun talks to star in the dramedy “Happiest Season” for TriStar Pictures. Clea DuVall (“Veep”) and Mary Holland (“Animals”) co-wrote the script and DuVall makes her directing debut on the project.

The story follows a young woman as she prepares to propose to her girlfriend at her family’s annual holiday party, only for the plan to be upended when she learns that her girlfriend hasn’t come out to her conservative parents yet. [Source: Variety

Mary Poppins Returns
Walt Disney Pictures has released a pair of new songs from the upcoming “Mary Poppins Returns” film. Emily Blunt sings the melodic first ‘The Place Where Lost Things Go,’ while the more lively ‘Trip a Little Light Fantastic’ is sung out by “Hamilton” creator Lin-Manuel Miranda.